The Creative Class: Winter Editorial 2011

As connoisseurs of the creative, it's a given that l'étoile keep its eye on what's happening with the next generation of artists. We teamed up with guest stylist Steve Kang of St. Paul's BlackBlue boutique to give seven MCAD students studiously stylish looks for season. Expect to see plenty of flannel, wool, denim, and even some silk; classic styles that can translate as both youthful and professional. Enjoy, and learn a bit about these talented young up n' comers along the way.

xo-l'étoile

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Editorial: "Minnesota Style in a New York Fashion"

We all know that many of the Twin Cities' brightest head to the bright lights of New York City to make their mark. But we say once a Minnesotan, always a Minnesotan. Minneapolis-via-New York style blog MPLSTYLE.com went out and spotlighted the most stylish of this group of photographers, art directors, stylists, and magazine editors for this editorial, "Minnesota Style in a New York Fashion."

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ADORNED: l'étoile Summer Editorial 2011

The vibrant summer season is in full swing and with it comes bold, colorful style. In our latest fashion spread, "Adorned," shot by veteran photographer Robb Long and styled by our own Jahna Peloquin, we decorate the vivacious Olivia with jewelry from some of the Twin Cities' most fearless designers. Adventurous statement pieces, bright accents, and summertime blooms await...

Click below to enlarge and page through the spread:

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Paper Dolls: Voltage Fashion 2011

We took some of our favorite looks off the runway of Voltage: Fashion Amplified and handed them over to local illustrator Lisa Luck! We've long been a fan of Lisa's whimsical, color-rich paintings: you may have seen them floating around town under the guise of gig posters for Twin Cities' bands or as promotional pieces for Yeti Records (the cute record shop that Lisa co-owns with her husband Jake). Who better to indulge our girlish fantasies of having our own book of paper dolls paired with local designer creations?

All 10 runway designers from Voltage: Fashion Amplified are represented, along with Lisa's charming illustrations. Click the flipbook below to view in magazine format, or download the spread in PFD format here to cut out and play!

Photos of clothing by Stephen Stephens / Illustration by Lisa Luck

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l'etoile Winter Editorial 2011: The Knitting Factory

Minnesota: home of five month-long winters, ground zero of Snowmageddon, originating spot of lumberjack chic. We scoff at a foot of snow and traverse ice storms with aplomb, and we do it with style. So it should be no surprise that one of our greatest exports is knitwear.

Two born-and-bred designers, Kevin Kramp and Annie Larson, have been making waves on the international circuit as of late, thanks to genre-pushing designs, strong web presences, and loads of ambition. Though the two couldn’t have more distinct aesthetics (Kramp’s avant-garde men’s knits put an emphasis on shape, while Larson’s pieces are nostalgic and graphic-heavy), we reimagined the two together, styled with knits from Philadelphia-based brand Isobel & Cleo. Covering up has never been so stylish. -Jahna Peloquin

Click below to view The Knitting Factory:

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Wanderlust: l'etoile's Fall MNFashion Week photo editorial 2010

Fall MNFashion Week is almost here! Check out our preview shoot with photographer Chris McDuffie, including looks featured at multiple events during MNFashion Week. And to plan your itinerary use our detailed guide HERE.

Text by Beth Hammarlund

Though autumn has officially arrived, the occasional golden September day can still create the illusion of a hazy summer afternoon. These sun-dappled days lend themselves to unhurried meanders and wistful daydreams, to afternoons spent strolling down dusty paths and collecting wildflowers in flaxen fields where the sunlight is still warm on your skin.

Cling to the fleeting edge of summer while acknowledging the change in seasons with new fall looks by some of the most talented local designers featured during MNfashion Week. From looks suited for a Minnesota prairie girl to pieces with a street-smart '70s bohemian influence, Twin Cities fall fashion offers plenty of relaxed, romantic options for the country mouse and city mouse alike.

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l'étoile summer editorial 2010: A Midsummer Night's Dream

This month l'étoile teamed up with our theatrical friends, The Strange Capers, for a photo shoot based on their Shakespeare in the Park production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at Powderhorn Park! The Capers' reimagining of the classic comedy takes a fun, gender-bending twist, swapping in women for male characters, depicting mechanicals as park workers, and bike punks as fairies -- a concept we were especially enamored with. In this spread - shot by Stephen Stephens - creative directors Chris Larson and Beth Hammarlund collaborated on a whimsical, design-heavy concept that focused on these magical yet gritty characters, playing off of the natural elements of beautiful Powderhorn park. Costume designer Sondra Veldey lent actual garments from the production while l'etoile pulled in D.I.Y. designer and artist Bill Beekman, designer Danielle Everine and accessory guru Amiee Dukes a.k.a. Ferociter to fill in the blanks.

The Strange Capers' performance of A Midsummer Night's Dream runs Saturdays and Sundays at 2pm through August 1st at Powderhorn Park and is free and open to the public (donations gladly accepted). For more info visit www.thestrangecapers.com.

Click below to check out the spread!

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Kiss Me, Cake: l'étoile Spring editorial 2010

l'étoile magazine's spring fashion editorial, "Kiss Me, Cake" is a sweet mashup of high style and delectable pastry! Basing their designs off of sumptuous gowns and fresh springtime garments, three Twin Cities cake decorators created sugary "hats" that matched the decadence of each dress. Shot by l'étoile editor Kate Iverson, with creative direction by Beth Hammarlund, art direction by Chris Larson, fashion styling by Jahna Peloquin, and hair/makeup by Kate Erickson.

Layered beneath the intoxication of tiramisu rum, the sticky-sweet sapor of icing and devil's food richness, venerable vixens and dazzling dolls adorned with delicate ribbons, bows and sugar flowers beckon like sirens to the sweet of tooth. The promise of love and confection awaits, so look ahead to Kiss Me, Cake. -Rob Callahan

Click to enlarge and view spread